To restore it back to original condition.

chris59

chris59

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
91   0   0
I have a very good condition Lee Enfield GR BSA&C 1916 STHLE No1 MKIII, sporter, that I would like to restore to it's original condition, but prior to do so I would like to know if there is some specifics info I should know about it, can it be done on any Enfield rifles, and where would be the best place to find parts to redo it?

Thanks in advance :)

Chris
 
Hi Chris,

Lots, lots of info I'd say you'll want to read.

Lots of it in this very forum. Other info on the web. Then, there are books too.

I'd very briefly say the following:

1. You can find the parts needed, so it's a realistic project.
2. There are some skills needed; woodworking, wood finishing, a few screwdrivers, others.
3. To start with such a project, at the very least you want your Lee Enfield to have it's full length barrel (not cut previously) and no holes drilled to mount a scope.

Feel free to PM me for more details about where to find the stuff, I'm in a bit of a rush at this minute so that's it for now. Salut!

Lou
 
Start by checking the headspace. If it's bad, you 'll have to fix that first. Easy to check, but not inexpensive to fix if it is bad. You need a handful of No. 1 bolt heads to try with proper guages.
Then measure the barrel length. Should be 25". If it's shorter, a military stock won't fit. Bubba may have cut the barrel. If it has been cut and you still want to proceed, you'll have to find another barrel and have it installed. Costs can add up quickly.
Marstar has some parts, but are sold out of stocks. Gunparts, Stateside, has some stocks though.
 
Just a point, most gunsmiths use S.A.A.M.I. headspace gages. What can fail with these gages will often pass with British military gages.
Parts. A good place to start is www.skennerton.com to pick up the Small Arms Identification Series booklet on the SMLE (number one) (It's around $10 plus postage.) has illustrated parts breakdowns and lots of information. A rather necessary item if you want to know what you need for restoration. Keep in mind if you miss one lousy screw when you order parts, you will still get stuck for "shipping and handling" for that screw. Best to make a list and order EVERYTHING in one go.
Now one VERY IMPORTANT thing. Get a decent set of hollow ground gunsmith screwdrivers. the 89cent chisel tip hardware store ones will BUGGER the screws on the rifle. Most gunstores should have them or can order them. The usual set have one handle and interchangeable tips.
www.gunparts inc is one source. www.ssporters is another. (I prefer the second one.)

I agree with Sunray, if the barrel has been cut, leave it as a sporter. You would have to purchase another barrel and pay a gunsmith to install it, thereby exceeding the value of the rifle.
 
No1 Enfields (And previous)only had 1 size of bolt head, not like the No4's. No1's were headspaced the old fashioned way, by chambering the barrel a little deeper with each try. The No4 was a vast improvement over the No1 in this and many other respects.
Scott
 
Hi!

Thank-you all for the input, it's very nice to hear from you all

1. I've just ordered the Small Arms Identification Series booklet on the SMLE (number one)

2. I measured the barrel length. It's 25".

3. I'll buy a good set of hollow ground gunsmith screwdrivers.

4. I'll have the headspace check by a gunsmith,

5. I'll make sure that it can be restore, prior to buy parts.

I've already looked at Numrich Gun Parts to give me an idea about prices for parts, if you have any good places for parts to refer me please feel free to let me know.

And i'll try to make sure to order all the parts needed at once, when I'll be ready to restore it.

Once again thanks a lot for the input

Christian
 
Restoring enfields is quite enjoyable, but at times frustrating (usually involving ordering that extra part you didn't realize you needed or or forgot or your order isn't what you thought/complete). Unlike the No4, bubba rarely chopped down No1 barrels. If the bore looks good and the SN on the bolt matches the receiver, your head space is likely not a problem, but check it anyway. Most No1 BSA rifles would have been inspected and FTR'd if not during WWII, before being sold out of service (look for BNP... stamped on bbl, this will indicate it was sold out of service). Personally I wouldn't hesitate to fire a matching rifle with FTR, or BNP stamped on it if it looked clean, but then I could just be an idiot too.

Next thing to consider is how do you want to restore it, after all it was in service for at least three decades and likely more. Parts from WWII era and later are a lot easier to come by, this is what is mostly on the market at reasonable prices. The dreaded Ishapore screw isn't really a big deal, especially if it did see time in the service in India. Check out all the markings on the rifle and scour the net for them, this site has a few good posts with links to deciphering them. If you don't want an Ishy screw you'll likely need to buy a "new" or unissued forearm which are a lot more money and more work in finishing and fitting them properly to the rifle.

Keep us posted and show pics.
IMG_0021.jpg

My most recent restoration
 
Last edited:
To restore it back to original condition

Here all the markings:

GR
BSAC
1916
Sht.LE
III*
BNP (on the barrel)
Bore looks good and the SN on the bolt matches the receiver, Barrel is the right lenght, Looks like it's good to go, i'll let you knon, when I'll be restoring it. Here is what it look now.


leeenfeildno1mkiiiro5.jpg


Thanks à +

Chris
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom